CN taps Lalonde as EVP, future CCO

CN today announced the appointment of Remi Lalonde as executive vice president (EVP) and special adviser to the CEO in anticipation of his transition to the role of chief commercial officer (CCO) later this year.

Starting today, Lalonde will spend time embedded in CN’s operations to learn about scheduled railroading, servicing customers and executing CN’s "Make the Plan, Run the Plan, Sell the Plan" model. CN's current EVP and chief marketing officer, Doug MacDonald, will remain in that role until the Lalonde's transition is completed, CN officials said in a press release.

As EVP and CCO, Lalonde will oversee CN's sales and marketing team. As a former CEO, chief financial officer and senior VP at a prominent forest products company, Lalonde has led teams, executed strategy, managed regulatory matters, engaged with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, headed manufacturing operations and worked with investors and suppliers, CN officials said.

"The role of CCO is of the utmost importance. The diversity of [Lalonde's] experience, including as a railway customer and as a CEO, positions him well to lead the sales and marketing team," said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson. "He will play an instrumental role in accelerating sustainable, profitable growth."